Innocent Leather
The wretched wearers of this mound of shoes who once walked free,
And enjoyed The Creator's munificence, life and pursuit of liberty,
Are now but scattered ashes with their shoes cast in a gruesome heap,
By ruthless and mocking tyrants who considered life so very cheap.
To the "showers" men, women and children were shamelessly led,
Unaware of what they faced when their clothing and shoes were shed.
With the promise that "Work Will Set You Free", they were deceived.
Their brutish oppressors cared not one whit that they were aggrieved.
What might these souls have become had fate not dealt them so;
A doctor, a scientist, a teacher? Alas, we shall never know.
We must never forget and that macabre heap of shoes should remind
Future generations of the cruelty that was perpetrated upon humankind.
Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Placed No. 7 in Abe Lopez' "Innocent Leather" Contest - June 2010
Copyright © Robert L. Hinshaw | Year Posted 2010
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.
Please
Login
to post a comment